Home Remodeling Tips

Remodeling can be a major under taking so be sure you are up to the task. Having a contractor come in and finish your started project may end up costing you more than if you would have hired the contractor in the first place. Be sure you understand what you are doing and the steps that need to take place before you begin.
Am I sure I have thought through my remodel? Ask your self these questions before you ever start down the road to a remodeling disaster.

1. Do I have enough money to complete the job?
If you are penny pinching before you begin you may end up over budget to fast. Unexpected problems always come up in remodeling. (Example) When you think you may reuse something your taking out and it gets broken removing it. Now you have to buy more. Leave some extra funding aside for emergencies. If you have money left over "GREAT" buy that big screen.

2. Am I thinking realistic?
An existing home has a structural shell that has to remain or the house will fall in. All walls in a home can not easily be removed. Homes have bearing walls that hold the floor and roof up. To remove these walls a beam for support will be needed. This is where most home owners run into problems. (Example) Months of planning to remodel the kitchen, product may even be ordered or bought and then the wall that was to be removed can't be done. "Nightmare"

3. Am I realistic in what I think I am able to do?
Many people get in over there head and end up hiring someone to bale them out. This goes back to the extra funds. Plumbing, electrical and major reconstruction are a few areas to question your abilities. (Example) Spending thousands to remodel the bathroom and then having it leak is not money wise.

4. Is my home build sound and worth a remodel or should portions be removed and rebuilt?
Older homes may need to be remodeled just to maintain the structure. Newer homes may be remodeled with just cosmetic upgrades. Paint and wall paper will not fix a crumbling cinder block wall.

5. Do you and your wife have a good relationship?
Marriages get tested to the limit with a remodel especially when you are still living in the home.

6. Is the value of the remodel right for the home?
If you live in a $200,000 home, the homes around you are selling for $180,000 to $200,000, don't think that throwing an additional $50,000 into a remodel will net you a home sale of $250,000. Remodels will help a home sell but not always increase the buying price.

Be sure you have thought through your remodeling plan before you ever start. Make sure the value of the remodel is right for the home. Make sure you can do everything you plan. Keep some emergency funds and over plan all of the steps.